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Memphis Depay aiming to impress Jose Mourinho after disappointing debut campaign

Manchester United's Memphis Depay dejected after Stoke City score their first goal during the Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium
Image: Memphis Depay has struggled to justify his £27.9m transfer fee

Memphis Depay hopes to catch the eye of new boss Jose Mourinho in pre-season training following a disappointing debut campaign.

The 22-year-old arrived from PSV Eindhoven for £27.9m last summer as a replacement for Angel Di Maria but struggled to make a consistent impact.

The Dutch international admits he struggled for confidence as the season wore on but he is determined to bounce back next campaign and prove he belongs at Old Trafford.

Ed Woodward shows Jose Mourinho around Manchester United's training base
Image: Ed Woodward shows Jose Mourinho around Manchester United's training base

"It's never nice to be criticised, but it is part of the game and I have to deal with it," Memphis told Fox Sports.

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"The season did not go as planned and that hurt my confidence a bit. It's now up to me to deal with this situation and get back on track.

"I think every attacker is intuitive. You have to make decisions on when to go for an individual action. The old Memphis, who beat every opponent, will soon be back again.

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"I did not play as many games as I hoped and I am obviously disappointed about that. I had different expectations. But I have to deal with that.

"It's now on to next season. I have to prove my worth during pre-season."

Depay was brought to United by Louis van Gaal - the man who also handed him his international debut.

Upon signing for the club last summer, Depay said of Van Gaal: "He is a great manager. He can make players better."

Memphis Depay has not lived up to Louis Van Gaal's expectations so far at Manchester United
Image: Memphis Depay did not live up to Louis Van Gaal's expectations at Manchester United

But the relationship between the pair soured as Depay struggled to fulfil expectations and the season culminated with midfielder being left out entirely from United's match-day squad for their FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Depay insists he does not fault Van Gaal for his struggles but also admitted he has yet to contact his compatriot following his sacking by the club last week.

"I do not want to blame the manager for it," Depay said. "I played some good games and some bad matches. I do not want to blame anyone for it.

"I have not been in touch with Van Gaal yet. I might give him a call or send him a text."

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